In this Learn to Sew (LTS) post, we're going to show how to easily add piping to your sewing projects - and then we'll tell you how we use this technique in more complicated ways to create really special trim detailing on our aprons.

You're going to need extra wide double fold bias tape and yarn - and of course a project to add this technique to.  For this example, we're going to add "piping" to a pocket for the Jessie Pattern so we are going to need the pocket pieces as well.  And, of course, you'll need a sewing machine, thread, and pins.


Let's get to it.

The first step is to measure the required length of your extra wide double fold bias tape and yarn. 


Now sandwich your yarn in between the two main flaps of the bias tape.  Make sure that the yarn is all the way at the bottom and pin in the bias shut along the top.


Now you will need to put your piping in the seam of whatever it is that you are working with.  In this case, it's the top portion of a pocket and the curved bottom portion.  Simply pin along the right side edge of the fabric and cut any excess piping you may have.  With right sides facing each other, you'll want to pin the top portion (or whatever the other side of your seam is for the project you're working on) to the pinning you just completed.


Now you're going to stitch your seam using a normal seam allowance (ours is a 3/8" seam allowance which works perfectly for this technique).  Once you stitch your seam all the way across, "open" the top portion up and press flat.  Top stitch the seam and you are all finished with adding piping!


See, that was super easy!  And by taking these few extra steps when you are creating a project, you can step up your sewing game so easily it's ridiculous.

What else can you add this piping technique to?  Pretty much anything with a seam.  We have added this piping to bodice seams (see the gorgeous one below), skirt bottoms, pockets, waistbands, and even my nieces twirl skirts.  You can add piping like this to pillowcases, sheets, pillow shams, dresses, towels, and so many more things - seriously, the sky is the limit!    



And because you created the piping yourself, you are not limited to the colors or fabrics offered in packages.  You have complete control over how thick or stiff to make the piping - depending on the type of yarn you use.  And the biggie (for me anyway) is that you don't have to worry about the stitch line of the piping itself not catching in the seam that you are putting it in.  Becuase let's face it, every one of us sewists have had that stitch line show through a time or two!

Hope you enjoyed this LTS post and if you have any questions, post the below.

Credits // Author and Photography: Kate Mark for Sew With BA
 

Hiya!  We are so happy to have you in our little corner of the internet.  We are a mother + daughter duo with a passion for creating beautiful accessories for women and their homes. Dedicated to inspiring, educating, and crafting beauty - for us, it's all about celebrating creativity by making the everyday extraordinary.

Who are "we"? We are Kate (daughter) + Robbie (mother).  It's so nice to meet you!  If you want to read more about who we are, we have covered just about everything in our About Us page.

Kate: Hi everyone!  I would like to WELCOME and thank you for stopping in.  I do most of the photography and blogging for Sew with Bambino Amore while mom does most of the creating.  It's a true partnership and I'm stoked to be able to work with my mom!

Robbie:  Hi there!  I  would also like to WELCOME and thank you for taking the time to explore our new adventure.  Like Kate said, I do most of the creating and behind the scenes sort of stuff, but, from time to time, I will pop in to post a few things.
Our intentions for this blog:

1. Inspire + Educate - With each and every post, we intend to offer inspiration and a learning opportunity.
2. Help You Create a Homemade Business - Although we don't talk about it very often, our apron shop, Bambino Amore, is one of Etsy's top 1% shops - worldwide.  It is our goal to help you cultivate a lucrative homemade business, if that is your goal.  
3. Share Our Creativity - If you have been a fan of our apron shop, you know that we have a never-ending supply of creativity!  We intend to share that creativity here on our Sew With Bambino Amore blog.